Family events in Federal Way, WA

Gates open first, and voting begins afterward.

Explore the Salish Sea shoreline at Titlow Beach with Harbor WildWatch during a guided low tide beach walk. Biologists and volunteer naturalists lead a hands-on look at the intertidal zone, helping participants gently observe creatures like sea stars, crabs, and anemones while sharing how these animals survive and interact. The program also addresses challenges facing ocean ecosystems and simple actions that support their protection. This activity welcomes all ages and experience levels, making it a good fit for families, school groups, and anyone curious about local marine life. Expect about 60 to 90 minutes outdoors, and feel free to depart whenever you need. Come prepared for any weather and wear closed-toe footwear that can get wet or muddy, such as rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers. Bring water, sunscreen, layers, and a snack if desired. Participation is free, and a small optional donation of $2 per person or $5 per family is appreciated. For on-site logistics, continue past the playground and Titlow lodge toward the beach entrance on the far side of the railroad tracks, then park only in designated areas. After parking, carefully cross the tracks to the viewing platform and head to the picnic tables and shower area at the beach entrance for the start. Cross only when the barriers are open and the tracks are clear, and look for Harbor WildWatch staff and volunteers in blue. If you arrive late or are delayed, proceed onto the beach to locate the group, which may continue down the trail toward the access point called Surf Perch. The approach to the beach includes a short, steep sandy section that levels out, or you can use a paved path that leads to a gentler access. If the walk goes to Surf Perch, the paved route becomes a well maintained forest trail to an old boat launch with a low slope into the intertidal area. Underfoot conditions vary and can include sand, gravel, cobble, boulders, and pilings. Restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water are available.

Browse and shop from local makers and small independent artists at this Makers Market. The market takes place on the lower level, which is accessible by elevator and stairs. June and August editions also plan for outdoor vendors if weather cooperates. Those interested in selling can find the vendor application through the ticket link provided by the organizer.

Experience traditional Lao music, dance, and culture over a ten day camp at Wat Buddharam, guided by volunteer instructors from the Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music and Dance Troupe. The program is designed for participants ages 5 to 16, with opportunities for those 16 and older to serve as volunteer camp counselors. Tuition is $275 per camper with a $250 rate for each additional sibling, and lunch plus snacks are provided. Registration is required in advance, space is limited, and no walk ins will be accepted. A camp showcase is planned, with details to be confirmed.

ZCCW presents its annual Z car show at LeMay - America’s Car Museum on Anderson Plaza at the front entrance, supported by sponsor Puyallup Nissan. All Datsun and Nissan Z cars are invited. Plaza parking is reserved for club members current on dues, and the upper level is set aside for pre-registered participants. Dues-paid members who pre-register receive priority parking near the main entry door, discount museum tickets for themselves, family, and friends that do not expire, and a free raffle ticket with the option to purchase more at a discount. Raffle selections include Nissan supplied gifts and surprises, Griots detailing products, and other quality Z-related items. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event.

Art on the Ave comes back to Tacoma’s 6th Avenue Business District with a community street festival presented by TAPCO Credit Union and the 6th Ave Business District. Artists, makers, musicians, food vendors, small businesses, community organizations, and neighbors gather for a full day of creative experiences along 6th Avenue. Attendees can explore local artist booths and vendors, enjoy live entertainment, visit food trucks, and take part in family-friendly activities throughout the festival. The celebration highlights the neighborhood’s creativity, local character, and strong sense of community. Vendor spaces are full.

Meet adoptable dogs from Smidget Rescue at a relaxed meet and greet hosted at Coastal Farm & Ranch in Auburn. The dogs will be available to visit with throughout the event, so arriving later is perfectly fine. Adoptions follow a screening process that includes an application, reference checks, and a home visit, and placements are based on best fit rather than order of arrival. Same day adoptions are not offered.

Bring a picnic and a blanket for a free Shakespeare in the Park experience offered throughout the Puget Sound region. This production of Macbeth begins with three witches and a fateful prophecy that pushes a determined couple toward the throne, unleashing supernatural forces, relentless ambition, and devastating consequences. Look for many of the play’s most iconic moments, presented at Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium.

My Gym Kent offers drop-off summer camps for children ages 2.5 to 10.5, featuring three-hour sessions packed with fitness-focused games, beginner gymnastics, ninja-style obstacle courses, and creative crafts. Activities change from day to day, with rotating themes that include fan-favorite characters, space adventures, superheroes, and a dedicated gymnastics and ninja training theme, so each camp day feels fresh and exciting. Camps are open to new, current, and inactive families, and no membership is required. Space is limited, and advance sign-up is required. Families can register for single days or purchase multiple days for a discounted rate, and you can spread selected days across different weeks. The daily rate is $55. Please send a labeled water bottle and a peanut-free snack for each child. My Gym grip socks are required for all participants and are available through your account for $3.50 per pair plus tax. There are no sessions on Thursdays. Camp days are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and all sales are final.

Harbor WildWatch leads a guided low tide beach walk at Dash Point State Park, offering a friendly, hands-on look at the Salish Sea shoreline. Biologists and trained volunteers highlight sea stars, crabs, and sea anemones, explaining their adaptations and behaviors, and discussing challenges facing ocean ecosystems along with practical ways to help protect them. The outing welcomes all ages and experience levels, making it a good fit for families, school groups, and curious explorers. The walk typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, and participants may leave before it concludes if needed. Programs run in all weather, so dress for changing conditions. Closed-toe footwear is recommended, such as rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers that can get wet and muddy. Bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, layers, and a snack is encouraged. Harbor WildWatch programs are free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. A Discover Pass is required to park in the state park, costing $50 per year or $10 per day, available online in advance or at park pay stations. Park in designated spaces and display the pass. Meet in the grassy area near the picnic tables before heading to the beach, and look for staff and volunteers in blue. Late arrivals can locate the group on the shoreline. Expect a gently sloping beach with cobble, gravel, sand, mud, and occasional boulders. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

This event at Bow Lake in SeaTac features neighborhood yard sales and tours of available homes. Activities include a treasure hunt, raffles with prizes, and food to enjoy.

At Magic Courts NE in Northeast Tacoma, this basketball training day centers on skill growth, confidence, and meaningful game play. It supports athletes who are new to the sport, players focused on attacking the basket and refining their shot, and those interested in competing in the Legacy League. The lineup features an attack moves and shooting lab for grades 4 to 6 with Coach Ace, followed by an advanced session emphasizing elite attack work and shooting for grades 7 through high school with Coach Ace. Younger players in grades K to 3 can take part in Headstart Hoopers with Coach Vanessa, and league play is available for grades 4 to 8 in the Legacy League with Coach Vanessa. The emphasis is on game-ready skills, daily confidence building, purposeful competition, teamwork, and steady progress through consistent training.

Milton Days 2026 brings a two day celebration to Milton Community Park, honoring the city’s 1907 incorporation and a cherished tradition that residents and local businesses have carried forward since 1948. It begins with an annual kickoff tailored for kids, featuring a themed evening of magic, masks, and heroes that sparks imagination for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged, whether inspired by superheroes, royalty, or an original character. The first 250 attendees receive free Dippy’s Ice Cream courtesy of Ezee Fiber, and snacks are available for purchase from The Grocery Truck. Festivities also include the Milton Days Parade, a half mile procession that lasts close to an hour and is playfully known as both the shortest and longest parade in the state. The park fills with food trucks, vendor booths, a beer garden, and live entertainment, along with a Kids’ Zone, a Car Show, and a Pickleball Scramble.

Enjoy an outdoor screening of GOAT at Bradley Lake Park. Admission is free and open to all. Food options include Stacks Burgers and Autumn's Ice Cream & Coffee, and concessions will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs for comfortable seating. Bubble fun is planned before the film. If the weather is poor, the movie will be cancelled. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted in Puyallup parks. Please note that vendor space is not available and any unsolicited vendor posts are scams. Nonperishable food items or hygiene products will be collected for the Puyallup Food Bank. This movie night is supported by sponsor Liz Ryan Real Estate.

A playful, poker-themed fun run welcomes runners, walkers, and leisurely strollers of all ages and ability levels at Les Gove Park. The course follows the park’s large loop, and five circuits total just under a full 5K by 1,138 feet. After each lap, participants pick one playing card to build a five-card hand, aiming for the strongest combination by the finish. Registration uses tiered pricing: early registration is $20 and includes a t-shirt and participation medal, standard registration is $25, and on-site registration is $30. Fees are due at the time of sign-up, and on-site check-in will be available. Strollers are welcome on the route. Children who are not in strollers must be registered as paying participants. Awards will be given to the top eight poker hands, with winners announced by email and on social media. Parking details and additional information will be emailed to registered participants.

Celebrating its 17th year, Desna Cup 2026 brings a three day festival of sports and culture to Saghalie Park. The schedule features soccer and volleyball tournaments, a cultural program, inflatable attractions for children, and food. This family friendly event offers activities for all ages across three days.

Morrill Meadows Park sets the stage for a family friendly evening that begins with a live performance by the Kent School of Rock, followed by an outdoor screening of School of Rock starring Jack Black beneath the night sky. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Local food trucks will be available, and the outdoor movie is free.

The event features live music, a range of food trucks, and a showcase of fine art. Attendees can browse 35 booths hosted by artisans, offering an experience that is enjoyable for all ages.

Watercolor Fest welcomes all ages to a free, family-friendly celebration of summer and the art of watercolor. Guests can dive into hands-on creativity by painting wooden flower keepsakes to take home and filling in watercolor-inspired coloring pages with markers, crayons, and other supplies. Artists and beginners alike will find a relaxed space to experiment, create, and spark new ideas. A featured artist will paint live, offering a close-up look at an original work coming to life and a chance to see the creative process in action. For a cool break, head outside to a giant waterslide or step into the splash zone, where water squirters filled with brightly colored, non-toxic water add a playful burst of color. Wearing clothing that can get splashed is recommended. Music plays throughout, setting an upbeat backdrop as families explore everything on offer. The Federal Way Farmers Market takes place alongside the festivities, inviting visitors to browse fresh produce, tasty food vendors, local artisans, and handmade goods while soaking in a full day of creativity and community. Admission is free, and RSVPs are encouraged for entry into a giveaway. Free access is supported by AFFW & 4 Culture.

Festival de Olas Locas brings a two-day celebration of Hispanic culture to Wild Waves. Enjoy authentic cuisine, shop artisan vendors, and take in nonstop entertainment with live bands, mariachi, regional dance, and thrilling lucha libre. The atmosphere is family friendly, gathering the sights, sounds, and tastes of Latin America into one festive weekend.